A beautiful watch with a leather strap can add a note of sophistication to any outfit. Just like any leather item, it needs to be regularly cleaned to remain in its best condition. When a watch strap is left uncleaned, dirt and oils can build up over time and lead to damage or permanent staining. Luckily, keeping your watch spotless is not tricky. It requires only a few accessible products and a little bit of your time.
Continue reading to find out how to clean a leather watch strap safely to make your favorite accessory last you a long time.
How to Clean a Genuine Leather Watch Band
When you regularly wear your wristwatch, it will inevitably get dirty, particularly if you use it while doing sports or in hotter climates. It may also develop a smell, which is never a pleasant experience. The good news is that by using some simple cleaning methods, you can bring your watch back to its former glory.
How to Clean a Leather Watch Band Smell
Due to the accumulation of dirt, moisture, and oils, a watch band may start smelling rather unpleasant. This will reduce the joy of wearing it, and is also a sign that it’s time to clean the accessory to prevent damage. If you wonder how to clean a leather watch strap smell, there are a few methods you can use.
Baking Soda
Components: baking soda.
Baking soda is a great solution for removing any odors from leather items as it’s easy to use and doesn’t damage the leather surface.
Preparation: Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda to cover the watch band.
Cleaning: Take off the straps from the watch and use the baking soda to fully cover the band on all sides. Next, place the band in a plastic bag and leave for up to 10 hours. After that, gently get rid of baking soda with a brush or a slightly damp cloth.
White Vinegar
Components: water, white vinegar.
The acidity of vinegar helps to get rid of unpleasant odors as it kills bacteria on the surface.
Preparation: Dilute white vinegar with equal parts water.
Cleaning: Take a soft cloth, preferably microfiber, dampen it in your prepared solution, and carefully wipe the strap. Afterward, simply leave the band to dry at room temperature. You can repeat the process one more time if the smell persists.
How to Clean a Dirty Leather Watch Strap
Dust and dirt cling to the surface, causing the leather to lose its shine and texture. If you wonder how to clean a leather watch band without damaging the material, you can do this at home without much trouble.
Mild Soap
Components: mild soap, water.
A gentle soap of any kind can be safely used to remove any impurities, dust buildup, and dirt from a wristwatch.
Preparation: Mix several drops of liquid soap with water.
Cleaning: Dampen the cloth in your soapy solution and use it to thoroughly wipe the watch band. Make sure to avoid excessive rubbing. The next step is to remove soap residue with clean, warm water, pat the strap with the cloth, and let it dry at room temperature.
Our Leather-Cleaning Products
Components: leather repair cream, leather dressing 3 in 1, leather spot cleaner.
Instead of using generic soap, you can opt for professional leather care products created by our team at olpr. The conditioner and repair cream are designed specifically to keep leather supple and flexible for a long time.
Preparation: Take the required product.
Cleaning: If you have stains or other problematic areas on your band, you can use our spot cleaner. You should apply a bit of product on the band and use a soft brush to remove impurities. Next, let the band dry. After that, you can proceed to apply a small amount of our leather dressing or wax-based leather cream for maximum protection.
How Often Should You Clean a Leather Watch Strap?
The intervals at which you should clean your watch to keep it as good as new will vary. The factors affecting the frequency include how often you wear it, your activities, and the weather conditions.
Those who live in milder climates and frequently wear their watches should aim to clean watch straps every 2 to 3 weeks. This is the general rule, but you should also check for any smell, discoloration, and dirt on your accessory, as you may need to clean it more often.
Keep in mind that if you use your watch in dusty environments, you should wipe it as often as you can. Also, if you live in a humid and hot climate, it’s a good idea to keep a piece of cloth on you at all times to remove excess moisture from the band.
Can't Clean a Leather Watch Strap?
You may be cleaning the bands regularly, but sometimes, at-home routines are simply not enough. If you permanently stain the leather strap or cannot remove the buildup of dirt, the best strategy is to contact a specialized dry cleaner service. This will give you the best chance of saving the band.
However, if your strap is already seriously damaged and/or stained, it might be time to replace it. At olpr., you can find a wide range of high-quality watch bands to fit any style and preference. Browse through our collection to find the perfect fit.